Extending Your Study Permit

Log in to your IRCC GCkey account

You can use your existing IRCC account to apply for a study permit extension.

If you do not have an account or if you do not have access to your previous account, you can create a new account.

Create your document checklist

The next step of your study permit application is to create your document checklist.

You can watch to learn how to navigate the IRCC online system in two steps to create your personal application checklist.

You might see a question on the Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter requirement, and you should answer it accordingly.

For most students extending their original study permit issued based on a SAIT program, you are not required for a PAL. However, if you are a high school student coming to SAIT, or are changing your Designated Learning Institution to SAIT, you might need a PAL.

If you are unsure about whether you need a PAL, please speak to an International Student Advisor.

Prepare your documents and complete forms

Download and complete the IMM5709e application form

Ensure you download the latest form directly from the IRCC website for your application. 

Do not print and sign the form. You can type your name in the signature and dates on the form. Once you enter your information select "Validate," the form will generate an additional page with many bar codes if it's validated successfully. 

If you want to make changes to the form, remember to validate it and save the form after every edit.

Get help answering questions on the IMM 5709E form

Certain documents will be needed when you apply for your study permit extension.

If your documents are not in English or French, they should be accompanied by an official translation or a certified copy of the original document in English or French with an affidavit.

Confirmation of enrolment

On the document checklist, where the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) is requested, you should upload your Confirmation of Enrolment*.

Your original Letter of Acceptance expired the day you started your studies.

On the Confirmation of Enrolment, you can include the updated date of completion of your studies, which will help the immigration officer when extending your study permit.

In certain situations, you might need a customized Confirmation of Enrolment. For this kind of letter, please see an International student advisor.

_{*You require valid SAIT login credentials to access this form.}

Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or Tal Exception)

If you are extending your original study permit that was issued based on a SAIT program, you are not required for a PAL. However, you must provide proof that you meet the exemption.

If you see the section “Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or Tal) Exception” in your IRCC Portal document checklist, you can write a Letter of Explanation.

Download the template

Proof of funds

In a study permit application, it is crucial to clearly demonstrate you can financially support yourself during your studies and stay in Canada.

For the proof of funds, you should show sufficient funds to cover the remainder of your program. You should add the amount of tuition you are responsible for paying and the amount to cover your living expenses. The total is what you should prepare to have in your proof of funds.

A few documents you can use in your proof of funds include:

• the last four months of bank statements in your Canadian accounts
• the bank statement of your GIC account if you have one
• the last four months of bank statements of your parents or your sponsor.

For more information on proof of funds, please refer to the IRCC website.

Passport

You will need to scan and upload a copy of your passport on the bio-data page. This page contains your photo, all other personal information, and any other pages with stamps, visas, or markings from any county.

If you have a new passport, you need to provide copies of both your new and old passports.

Your study permit will not be issued beyond your passport expiry date. Thus, if your passport will be expiring soon, you should extend it first before you apply for the study permit.

Your passport photo should be less than six months old.

Digital photo

You must include an up-to-date photograph of yourself that meets specific requirements outlined by IRCC.

Visit the IRCC website to find specific requirements for this photo. 

Letter of Explanation

A Letter of Explanation is a self-written document that an applicant can use to provide additional information in support of their application. You should provide a Letter of Explanation if you want to explain something about your application—for instance, a gap in your studies (i.e. a leave of absence) or part-time studies during a scheduled break.

If you need any additional support with drafting a Letter of Explanation, you may contact an International Student Advisor.

Download the template

Family information form (IMM5707)

Depending on the nationality, this form might be required. You should only provide it if it's included in your document checklist.

This form needs to be printed out and signed by hand. Please note you might need to sign multiple places on this form:

• if you indicate that you don't have a spouse or common-law partner, sign, and date Section A
• if you indicate that you don't have children, sign and date Section B
• finally, sign and date Section C.

Schedule 1: Application for temporary residency (IMM5257b)

This form is usually included in your checklist's "Optional Documents" section, and most students do not need to include it in the application.

This form doesn't need to be signed but needs to be validated.

Get your biometrics and medical exam (if applicable)

Biometrics

If you have provided biometrics in a previous application, you don’t need to provide them again. Your biometrics will be valid for 10 years. You can use the online tool to find out if your biometrics are still valid.

Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are collected to confirm your identity and will facilitate your entry to Canada. While exemptions can be granted, most study permit applicants will be required to provide biometrics.

Once you have paid your biometrics collection fee ($85 CAD) and submitted your online application, you will receive a biometric instruction letter in your account. Then, you can go to the nearest biometrics collection center with the letter.

Immigration medical exam

You may be required to complete an immigration medical exam if:

1. you have lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the past year, or,
2. you will participate in a work placement, co-op or practicum that will bring you close to patients, children, the elderly, etc. This includes public health, health sciences, or agriculture-related fields (for example, healthcare workers, and primary and secondary school teachers.) Please refer to your program page for specific practicum information.

If you need a medical exam, you can choose either:

• submit your application first, and wait for the medical exam instruction letter from IRCC, or,
• do an upfront medical exam first and include the exam confirmation receipt in your application.

In general, it can save some processing time when you provide an upfront medical exam.

Your medical exam result will be valid for 12 months from the date of the exam and should be valid at the time when you travel. The exam is taken during the initial study permit application period; therefore, if you have been studying outside Canada since receiving your study permit approval, you will need to make sure your results are still valid when travelling to Canada.

You may need a new IME result if you are a continuing student who has left Canada for six months or more in the past year.

Find a panel physician who can conduct your medical exam.